Supporting Job Seekers with Disabilities

By Ryan Henson, MRC, CRC , Regional Program Manager – East Central Region Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

GROW NKY’S MISSION IS TO LEVERAGE THE community's full complement of assets to grow, attract, and retain a globally competitive workforce. Its many partners work with businesses of all sizes to address regional workforce challenges, promote diversity, and expand the talent pipeline. Specifically, Pillar 3 is focused on Work-Ready Adults and strives to expand the utilization of regional education, training and support services toward adult work readiness with special attention to underserved individuals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one adult in four in the United States has a disability. Companies with strong disability inclusion programs have better access to talent and better employee retention. They have the tools they need to help their employees thrive. GROW NKY partner Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is committed to supporting workforce disability inclusiveness in Northern Kentucky.

All Kentuckians with disabilities have an opportunity to be an essential part of the Commonwealth’s workforce and their communities. The mission of the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is to empower Kentuckians with disabilities to maximize independence and economic security through competitive, integrated employment. As a core partner in the Kentucky Career Center, they provide job seekers with disabilities with a thorough assessment and an appropriate offering of services to assist in finding employment. In Northern Kentucky, the agency has offices in Covington and Florence and covers all eight counties in the Northern Kentucky Workforce area.

The agency also works with every high school in Northern Kentucky to provide transitional services from high school into long-term college training, short-term training, or employment. Services offered are for eligible individuals in the program and are specialized based on the unique interests and needs of the individual. In order to receive services, a person must apply and be determined eligible by one of the vocational rehabilitation counselors located in either office in Northern Kentucky. From there, the counselor and individual develop an individualized plan for employment that lists all services the individual will receive to help them gain or maintain employment. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation also conducts follow-along and follow-up services once employment has been secured.

In addition to assistance with training and targeted job searches, specialized programming such as supported employment, customized employment, and on-the-job training are available. Rehabilitation technology, appropriate job modifications, and assistance with job supports are also available to eligible participants. The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation works with community programs and employer partners to provide them with resources needed to support individuals with disabilities. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation serves individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing through specially trained counselors to provide job-seeking services as well. If you are an individual with a disability or have limitations preventing you from finding or maintaining employment, please contact either of our offices in Northern Kentucky: In Covington, call 859-2926513 or in Florence, call 859-371-9450. NKY